British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine, asserting that Ukraine must have the autonomy to determine the terms of any peace agreement with Russia. In an interview with The Telegraph aboard the Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, Starmer emphasized that decisions regarding Ukraine’s future should be made by Ukraine itself, not imposed by external parties.
Starmer’s remarks come in response to Trump’s seven-point peace proposal, which reportedly includes recognizing Russia’s control over Crimea and other occupied Ukrainian territories. The plan has raised concerns among Western allies, who fear it could legitimize territorial aggression and undermine international law. Starmer rejected the notion of recognizing Crimea as part of Russia, stating that such decisions should be left to Ukraine and that Russia must agree to an unconditional ceasefire.
The British Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of Ukraine’s sovereignty and the need for Russia to engage in genuine negotiations to achieve a lasting peace. He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and called for a ceasefire that is acceptable to all parties involved, including Ukraine.
Starmer’s stance reflects a broader European concern over the direction of U.S. policy under Trump’s leadership. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, have expressed support for Ukraine’s position and emphasized the importance of upholding international norms.
As discussions continue, the UK and its allies are advocating for a peace process that respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty while cautioning against any agreements that could set a precedent for future territorial disputes.